Asbestos Campaign

11 September 2006:

HSE have launched a new communications campaign highlighting the risks to maintenance workers from exposure to asbestos. The “Don’t take the gamble” initiative aims to raise awareness in maintenance workers that asbestos is still a threat and that they may come into contact with it in any building built before 2000. The campaign material will include advertising, information packs and will give maintenance workers practical tips on how to avoid exposure to asbestos.

It will also provide information for dutyholders about their responsibilities under the Duty to Manage regulation and how they can protect workers. A dutyholder is anyone who is responsible for, organises or pays for repair and maintenance work in a building.

The ‘Don’t take the gamble’ initiative will complement and reinforce the ‘Duty to Manage’ inspections and awareness raising events that HSE and Local Authorities are carrying out throughout 2006/7.

The HSE site will become a one-stop-shop and central source of all information about asbestos. You will be able to download a series of posters, leaflets and checklists for workers and employers, as well as place orders on-line to receive free information about working with asbestos.

For further information on this story contact:
Web:http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/campaign/index.htm
Tel: 0845 345 0055